No Encore for Has Been Very Slow in Granting an Agreement to the 1981

Volume 23, Number 04 Www.broward.edu/observer_BCc October 13, 2008

Center Spread Entertainment Halloween Sex Drive Universal & Disney Find out how the movie bring their versions of is before it hits the a scary night theaters Page 12-13 Page 15 Faculty still negotiating for a ratified contract By W. Earle Simpson state of Florida on labor and employment disputes. Staff Writer After hearings, PERC issues a final order, which may be appealed directly to the District Court of Appeals. For the third consecutive year, faculty at Broward But the Union is not expecting that an appeal will Photo by Philippe Buteau College will continue to work without a ratified have to be made. “I have no basis for thinking that the Contract if the administration and the union- United ruling will be against the faculty, but if it is in favor of

Faculty of Florida (UFF) find no solution to what has the Union, the administration may appeal…in which Photo by Philippe Buteau been declared an impasse. case, I would be unable to say when Faculty will have “Over the last several years there have been a series a ratified contract,” cautioned Rieger. of problems at the negotiations between the union Ratification of contracts has been an annual event and the Board of Trustees. The board of trustees since the faculty first joined the UFF on May 22, No encore for has been very slow in granting an agreement to the 1981. The UFF prides itself in effectively negotiating faculty contract. Two years ago the board put off collective bargaining contracts, thereby “strengthening voting on our contract for four months. There was administrative accountability and faculty authority,” an agreement in July 2006, but the board waited and and promises Florida higher education professionals to Jay Z waited until Nov. and since then, we have not gotten bargain on their behalf for “improved salaries, hours, a ratified contract. In fact, in Sept. the board declared terms and conditions.” Since 1981, the UFF would, an impasse,” noted Robert Koppelman, UFF State between February and March of each year, smoothly Before the voter’s registration deadline Senator and BC faculty member. negotiate contracts on behalf of its BC members. ended, Jay Z held a free “Last Chance That impasse led to a Public Employees Relations But according to the Nov. 2006 issue of the UFF Commission- (PERC) arbitration, for which a ruling Community College Update, “today a board of trustees to Change” rally for Barack Obama in will be had on Oct. 25. According to Dr. Daniel appointed by Governor Jeb Bush is challenging faculty Rieger, Vice President of UFF and Chief Negotiator standards and principles in ways the faculty has never Miami for newly registered voters. between UFF/BC, “There are legal issues that have seen before…but Broward faculty is rising to the been encountered in terms of getting a contract and challenge.” Full review of the show inside. those legal issues have been addressed in a recent hearing before PERC at the end of Aug. 2008.” PERC faculty contracts is the organization that holds hearings throughout the continued on page 7 Page 16 Mid-day Madness unveils new team By Igor Mello “We’re looking to win the conference Sports Editor championship this year. That is our goal. I believe that we can do it,” said Schawe at With the start of the 08-09 Women’s the Mid-day Madness scrimmage. Basketball season set to embark on Oct.18 After some off-season training and at the Southern Conference Jamboree, conditioning, the team took on the the Lady Seahawks seem poised to prove hardwood for the Blue vs. White game. that things have changed this season. To As the game progressed, it was clear to see prepare for the season opener the team that the top scorer on the court out of both held a “Mid-day Madness” scrimmage teams was Mellisa Caplan, a transferee game on Oct. 4 at the George E. Mayer from PBCC who scored 32 of the Blue’s Gymnasium to display to the fans what is 68 points in a win over the White team. in store for the team this season. “Mellisa Caplan had an outstanding “It’s a good morale-builder. For us as game. She actually impressed me very coaches we get to see how some of them much, especially how well she worked play together. Today I learned something with the team,” said Schawe. “I knew she new about the team that I didn’t know so was a good player, we were worried about that’s why these kind of things are good for playing her when we played Palm Beach the team,” said the new ladies basketball every time.” coach Mike Schawe. “Now I know who Caplan claims that her new team is I got to work and who I don’t have to finally coming together and seems to be work.” happy at her new school. Although the team has 11 new “I didn’t like the (Palm Beach) coach. I freshmen and one transferee, the former was going to go back but they did not have assistant coach was there for the ride last any room,” said the sophomore forward season when the ladies fell short at the Caplan. “He wasn’t fair to the team and state tournament and it almost feels as if he just judged me too much so I don’t like Melissa Caplan drives for a lay up during the Mid-day madness Photo by Igor Mello they have some unfinished business. him.” scrimmage at Central Campus. Women’s Basketball continued on page 20 pg MONTH dd, YEAR The Observer Section SOUTH The Observer OCTOBER 13, 2008 3 Hispanic heritage month begins with an extravaganza By Philippe Buteau there to demonstrate the dances, awarded with lunch passes and South Bureau Chief what they wanted was for the everyone else had consolation students to muster up enough prizes. Cha cha, merengue, cumbia, and confidence to take get up and Check below for future salsa. These dances and others were dance as well. events to finish the two more highlighted on Oct. 1 by Student There was a lot of timidity in weeks of Hispanic Heritage Life and the band Son Caliente to the beginning, as people feverishly month. begin Hispanic Heritage month. shook their heads and pointed Son Caliente provided the at their friends they wanted music and William Penn House embarrassed, but eventually there •October 15 provided the history to go along were people dancing. 3 Piece Latin Band in the with the dances. After the band went through the Pines Center @ 10 a.m. However, House didn’t just different kinds of Hispanic dances, explain where the dances originated a dance contest was started. The •October 16 from. He began each of his history participants went danced several Latino Heritage Museum lessons by asking the students if rounds each one consisting of a in Southern Breeze Cafe could name the country where different dance. The members of merengue, for example, came Student Government and Student from. Life in attendance served as the first •October 22 Jennifer Alacantara answered phase of judging with the audience Spoken Word Artist it correctly when the dance in being the tie-breakers. Gabriella Medina in the question was from Dominican And tie-breakers were certainly Amphitheater @ 11:30 a.m. Republic. necessary as the contest came down Though the band had dancers to a six-way tie. The winners were

Son Caliente’s dancers photos by philippe buteau

House places his hand over each of the couples and the crowd cheered for who they wanted to win

Crack up with Roy Wood Jr. By Philippe Buteau South Bureau Chief

Gas prices are high. So high that they’re affecting things people wouldn’t normally expect, like the prices of movie snacks. That’s what comedian Roy Wood Jr. said during his hour-long set on Sept. 30 in the auditorium. “Nachos are $9 a bite!” Wood said. A regular on BET’s Comicview, which has more than its share of racially fueled jokes, Wood was guilty of a few of those himself that day. He said, “People who have it the worst are white people that like black people.” And that they need a bracelet to identify themselves. Thankfully, that was not his only type of material. He joked about being in the passenger seat when a friend is pulled over, how to know if the person pulled over is in trouble or not, working at fast food restaurants and the positive side of steroid use. Wood is also known for his prank calls and gave some examples of those as he wrapped up his set. He said that he once called an older, black senior citizen and said that her Social Security check was going to be used to help victims of the recent

hurricanes. Another example was calling a photo by philippe buteau major cruise line and telling the customer Wood miming a police offficer checking someone’s license service that he lost his wallet on a ship named Amistad. 4 CENTRAL The Observer OCTOBER 13, 2008

Theby w. Earle simpson flooding problem in the parking lot While many students agree with them. Furthermore, they suggest Devaney said that back then promise, the lots have been twice Staff Writer Stancil that it is a serious problem, that the flooding affects the south he and his team took pictures of flooded and although Devaney and others are apparently not bothered and west parking areas worst than the inner parts of the drainage his staff have been able to pump “Rainy days and Mondays always by it. “I just accept it,” said Ian it does the east parking areas where system and discovered the pipes some areas, two areas are still get me down,” are words from the Ford, Communications Major. the run offs into the lakes are not choked by roots and sand. He strongly resisting them. “We have song “Rainy Days” recorded by “It’s not just the school. It [floods] happening as fast as they would said that he suspects that the same essentially solved the problems of the Carpenters in 1971, but these everywhere in South Florida.” like them to. situation has repeated itself and so the flooding except for the areas at words may as well be written by During the rainy seasons, However, Stancil acknowledged he understands exactly what must the College entrance and that east the students and faculty of BC’s flooding indeed occurs in most areas that although students are affected be done. Agreeing with Devaney, of the bookstore,” said Devaney. Central and South Campuses. of South Florida and according to on every side of the parking areas South Campus Business Affairs “However, there is one remaining On Friday August 15, 2008, the University of Florida’s plant he would like to remind them that Dean, Albert Smith added “we do thing to do there that we discovered heavy rains, associated with management website, flooding “we only have the kind of heavy a good job maintaining the facility, when we were professionally Hurricane Fay, pelted the southern occurs after heavy rainfalls because rains that flood our parking lots and the idea is not to have anything cleaning it out. In one section, parts of Broward and all of Dade Florida’s flat topography and its two or three times per year.” He delayed too long. We keep a list of there is an area, about ten feet long, County in a way similar to what impermeable limestone bedrock said that he is hoping that the the project priorities that we hope that has collapsed…and we will storm force rain and hail did to combine to create land that is students will continue to exercise to get funding for over the course have to dig up a section and redo these counties on Sunday, April highly prone to flooding. The the patience demonstrated over the of time and that is one of the the drainage,” he added. “Fixing 6, 2008. As it did then, the heavy flooding occurs when the ground past 30 years since he has been at projects we have listed as needing the problem is a priority project. It downpours flooded the parking can’t absorb the water from the BC. But with the problem growing to be rectified.” will be done, but it takes time.” lots at Broward College’s South and heavy rains, when there isn’t enough onto the South Campus, students But neither Devaney nor Smith But time is a scarce commodity Central Campuses. Students and slope to the land to pull the water are getting anything but patient. is sure when the problem will be for some BC students. Many will faculty who use the parking lots east away, or when natural waterways “It’s terrible at the back of the fixed. Devaney suggested that graduate before some of these of the book store at South Campus, can’t hold the excess water. library,” complained Samuels. while he would love to announce solutions are implemented. Stancil once again found many areas of the But in the minds of some BC “It gets ankle high and especially an immediate solution, the reality said Central is focusing on its long parking lots under water. “I hate students, it appears that when it for students wearing sandals, it’s of “the pending possible budget term plans. “We are about to build when it rains this heavily here,” rains, all of Florida’s flooding takes horrible. I think it’s a drainage crunch” renders him unsure a parking garage. This is a project Simone Daley, a Central Campus place on the grounds of BC. “I problem and they need to fix it.” of a specific date that he could between BC and FAU. I estimate Business Major, said of the April hate coming here and experiencing Sean Devaney, Facility Manager currently report, but offered that that it will take no more than one flooding, “it makes it so difficult this,” complained South Campus at South Campus agrees that it in the meantime, “whenever we to two years to complete,” he said. and inconvenient getting in and student, Kielia Samuels. “I need to is a drainage problem, but while have a heavy downpour, and if we So while the South Campus out of here.” know that when it rains I can still sympathizing with the students have a flooding problem, my guys students can expect a quick fix to “It has always been like that wear my sandals to school.” and faculty, he does not think it is will immediately manually pump some of their problems, students, for more than 30 years,” agreed Stancil, however points out that as horrible as some students believe it out. Also my staff gets here at staff and faculty at Central Campus John Stancil, then Business Affairs years ago BC attacked the problem it is. “It is not a big problem at all,” 6:30 a.m. daily and they have been can only expect relief from their Dean at Central Campus. Stancil by grading the parks on the east he suggested. “The problem is that informed to keep an eye on that. So flooding problems within the next said that for as long as he has been side of Central Campus to drain we have sand build-ups and root if there are flooding on a particular one to two years. Until then, they working at BC, the parking lots into the lakes at the entrance of the penetration from the trees. We had night, it should have already been will have to continue their over would often flood to as high as college. Not with standing, students this problem two years ago but we cleared up by the time the faculty 30-years endurance of a problem two to four inches above the ankles point out that the lots on the south cleaned it out and fix the problem and students start coming in,” he that affects them every “two to after heavy downpours of rain. “It and west sides are left without lakes then, and that’s what we will do promised. three times per year” when it rains is a serious problem,” he said. to capture the water settling on again.” But five months since that heavily. NORTH The Observer OCTOBER 13, 2008 5 The past and present of Wildflower Week

by Stephanie Ramirez Stewards” who are student North Bureau chief volunteers who supervise the planting process and learning, and If you’re a student at Broward sharing knowledge learned from College, then you must be awestruck the plants. by the lush natural beauty that’s To further enhance the beauty been flourishing throughout the of BC campuses, the college’s campuses. It carpets the Earth with commitment to a sustainable its wide array of vibrant colors and landscape currently supports specific names, giving the college a native plantings and coordinators postcard, picturesque look. on all campuses. The wildflower Upon walking onto campus, project will be sustained as part it’s inevitable to miss the blooming of the sustainability initiative wildflowers and verdant plants that that includes energy and resource surround our classroom buildings conservation and will act as a larger and for that reason the college has institutional sustainable landscape taken time out of its busy schedule effort. . In natural areas, “wildflower to dedicate an entire week to meadows” will be instilled. acknowledge the environment and Impressively enough, BC its eye-catching exquisiteness. has completed significant native Last year marked the landscaping around campus inauguration of Wildflower Week, buildings and created South Florida which took place from April 22 ecosystems including wetlands and through 26 on North Campus. a tropical hardwood hammock in Nevertheless, with only one year in addition to butterfly gardens, a existence, much of this program’s fern and epiphyte preserve. success is due to the extreme The anticipated outcome of amount of support from faculty, Students planting flowers at North Campus. photo by stephanie rameriez this project is that the number staff, administration, and BC of Florida Native wildflowers in students; most importantly, from Huang, a North Campus student. to design a wildflower poster, for this reason Wildflower Week is Broward County will steadily Dr. Peggy Green. Wildflower Week is a college- write a poem or essay, submit also called Florida’s Wildflowers increase and knowledge of A date for Wildflower week has wide project and entails speakers, a photograph, create a video or – Learning from the Landscape. wildflowers will grow as their value yet to be determined, however, the presentations of awards, student- design a logo for the wildflower Dr. Green infers, “it’s one little is understood by potentially 30,000 week will most likely take place led wildflower tours of the campus project. thing that helps them connect BC students, 500 citizens of the sometime in April. The main an introductory ceremony at the “Wildflower Week does more to the environment; people are Greater Ft. Lauderdale area, and motive to introduce Wildflower beginning where local community than just beautify the college, this so busy nowadays with their cell 300 elementary school children Week each year is to bring BC and and college officials are invited. program has helped me better phones, they don’t appreciate the impacted by this project thus far. the community together to educate Last year’s guests included the understand living organisms in my environment, so I hope this project “Once you shift the way and learn about wildflowers as well Vice Mayor of Coconut Creek, biology laboratory class because causes an increased interest in you think, then actions will as celebrating the beauty of natural BC President J. David Armstrong we had a chance to examine learning about Wildflowers and follow,” claims Dr. Green, who landscapes. Jr., city officials and an abundant these flowers and plants under the environment, in general.” hopes that this contribution to “I loved every aspect of amount of administrators, faculty microscopes,” comments Zachary Training workshops will the sustainability movement by Wildflower Week last year, it really and students. Moreover, a week Stuart, a North Campus student. teach faculty about the value of working to “green” the curriculum got the community involved in of student contests will showcase Rewarding activities and wildflowers and suggest ways they and campus operations at BC, the learning about the environment student creativity and will volunteerism such as this program is can be incorporated into their college will be a model that inspires and it made the college very encourage student involvement as a prime example of how Dr. Green’s courses across the disciplines as others to preserve the earth for inviting,” comments Danielle well as building up their excitement strong advocacy of service learning, well as showcasing “Wildflower present and future generations. P’an Ku: Outloud College’s magazine hosts open mic at North Campus Café.

Brendan Connolly loss, and the sorrowful joy of having to leave New Staff Writer York. Students that didn’t have hard copies of their work, turned to technology, enlisting the aid of At the North Café, on Oct. 7, P’an Ku held its laptops, and in some instances, cell phones. first open mic entitled P’an Ku: Outloud. A wide The only complaint was that there was not enough variety of performers showcased their individual notice for the event, a problem the P’an Ku staff is talents in the art of prose, poetry, spoken word, and quickly rectifying. Flyers and posters for the South in some cases even singing. Campus P’an Ku: Outloud are already being seen in David Boni, editor-in-chief, said, “I am really the hallways of the Judson Samuel campus. happy with the turnout. We(P’an ku) are trying The entire staff of P’an Ku encourages everyone to get the word out about the magazine.” He said to attend, with a hopeful expectation, given the another P’an Ku: Outloud is tentatively scheduled wide spectrum of performances at the North Café. for Oct. 23. The staff eagerly awaits to hear the next roundof Dr. Patrick Ellingham, the advisor for P’an ku poetry, prose, spoken word, even just students with was in attendance, was heard to say “I was impressed something to say, on Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. at the South by the level of talent by the students of North. I Campus outdoor Amphitheatre, located in the was especially grateful for Vicky Santiesteban for courtyard next to the Art Gallery. bringing her creative writing class to the reading.” The staff wishes to remind everyone that the Sergio Mora, one of the staff editors said, “I was deadline for submissions to be considered eligible for really blown away. I hope this type of diversity is an consideration in the actual P’an Ku publication is Oct. implication of the magazine’s quality and content.” 24. Drop-off spots include English departments, Art The show began with two of the editors reading departments, and the Student Life offices will have photo by brendan connolly A student reads a poem during P’an Ku’s their own work. Shortly after, other students began drop-boxes. Just remember to fill out the necessary Outloud open mic at North Campus. reading pieces covering topics such as racism, love, submission form. pg MONTH dd, YEAR The Observer Section NEWS The Observer OCTOBER 13, 2008 7 After two years, still fighting for a contract

faculty contract continued from front page actions in 2006. “Some faculty faculty work conditions. may be reluctant to talk about it “Over the years since because we just want position to 1981, some of these issues Back then, according to a be stated. We want to make our have been debated and report in the October issue of position very clear; what we think re-debated,” said Damon this paper, faculty members rose the legal and ethical issues are and Davis, UFF/BC president. to the challenge by “dress[ing] in we want to keep those front and “The issue of salaries and black and graduation attire and center,” said Koppelman. When benefits which houses health picketed on what they viewed prompted to comment, President care, which houses dental as a violation of an agreement Armstrong said that he’d rather care and all the benefits that made between UFF and BCC speak on the issue after the PERC are entitled to faculty. But administration on Oct. 12 ruling, while several calls made to the sore points here would on Central Campus.” Those Human Resources and Equity Vice be salary increases; how demonstrations did not render President, Dr. Edna Chun were much there are and how a solution to the problems they not returned. they are calculated.” sought to highlight. Rather, they At the heart of the matter, Each year the board and were reported to have resulted according to the UFF, are issues UFF struggle to agree on in the resignation of the then arising from articles five, six and these three areas but board president. seven of the 2006-2007 Collective member Levi Williams sees Today, whereas faculty is Bargaining Agreement between the problem a different way. The 2006 protest against the board of trustees. Observer archives photo still upset, both they as well UFF/BC and The Board of “I think that at the heart of as the head of administration Trustees of BC. Article five deals the matter is really the difficulty of Davis countered and in clear are a part of a family and we have are exhibiting caution in ways with faculty compensation; article the union to make a decision in the reference to his 400 members, to interact as a family. We are in contradictory to the openness six with benefits, including health best interest of those that it serves,” representing 70 percent of faculty the house, not outside of it. We and bravery associated with their insurance, while article seven with he insisted. said, “our take on this is that we serve a major role and I think a justifiable one.” Furthermore, like Koppelman, Davis believes that the board violated state law when they gave a salary increase without having a written agreement. Yet, sometimes the line between where one year’s negotiation completes and the next begins is blurred by lack of agreement and when asked why not opt for longer term contracts, Dr. Rieger commented, “Our lives are not static. Our lives are subject to change and because of that it is important to negotiate compensation and benefits year to year. The advantage of having a yearly ratification is that issues that arise can be addressed immediately.” Not-with-standing Rieger’s comment, Williams thinks that “the contract before everybody that the union is using has been patch worked, piece-mealed and bastardized for the last 20 to 40 years,” he said. “There are terms and conditions in the contract that make it difficult for both parties to move forward in an effective and productive manner. I have communicated with representatives of the union multiple times about the fact that the contract needs to be overhauled. If that was done, one of the potential benefits would be the possibility of multi-year agreements. Under the current contract, such agreements would be impossible due to its many ambiguous and failing language.” So how will this crisis be resolved? “We believe that PERC will rule in our favor and if they do, it will set a precedent that the board has to follow the law. And once the board is humbled somewhat, realizing that they can’t just do anything they want, ultimately, the administration will have to show more integrity and honesty in their negotiations with us,” Koppelman suggested. “But if the ruling goes against us, I think we will continue to have difficulties until this board or some of its members get replaced.” But until then, everyone awaits the PERC rulings.

cyber advisers

8 NEWS The Observer OCTOBER 13, 2008 Cyber advisers available for students

For More Information

Cyber Advisor Homepage www.broward.edu/advisingcounseling

BC Advising/Counseling Blog bccadvisement.blogspot.com

Recycling team takes on used ink By Melissa Correa Jerilyn De Los Rios Layout Editor Central Bureau Chief

Broward College has upgraded its advising services to students. Academic and financial advisors are Broward College has a team that has been quietly behind the scene now available to students anywhere directly from a computer. This new program, initiated May 2008 , has and making a difference on the campus and in the nation. This team has visits that have increased throughout the months. Students are able to chat live via the web with an advisor, never made a slam-dunk or a home run but they have scored big with the chats are limited to 10 minutes or less. Advisors are available from Monday through Friday 10 A.M. to the environment. This team is the recycling team. 6 P.M. “The program is not intended to substitute advising on any campus.” says Anthony Cruz, Assistant BC recycling team is a group of students that go throughout the Dean of Student Affairs for South Campus. “For safety reasons personal information cannot be disclosed. college campuses and collect ink cartridges as well as set up designated For academic standing please see an advisor.” Cruz adds. Cyber advisors are available to answer questions areas for paper plastic and trash drop offs. regarding requirements, prerequisites and other general concerns. The wait time for cyber advisors always The recycling team has collected 3,500 ink cartridges in 3 years. depends on how busy it is. It always depends on the terms as well. Before the fall term, there were more About eight cartridges are thrown away in the United States every students to chat with the cyber advisors. “Usually there are from one to three advisors depending on the second. The recycling team hopes to be there to collect as many of these demand of students.” Cruz also mentions. “The more students find out about the program, the more it unwanted and used containers as they can. will expand.” says Cruz. This feature appears on the BC website home page. The advising link is on the The team is always looking for new members and new ways to make a lower left box besides the BC login. difference in keeping our world green. Contact your campuses Student Life Office with information to get involved. Section The Observer MONTH dd, YEAR pg 10 FEATURES The Observer OCTOBER 13, 2008 Get to know a soldier: Francis Anello bY HANNAH GILES Everything I succeed at in life this fact: we were treated as not on the front lines of the STAFF WRITER from that point is a testament liberators, Iraqis cheered for battlefield? Does being a Q: When did you join the to there professionalism. us and expressed their hatred soldier give you an edge in the Marines? And what factors Q: What is your position in for Sadam. classroom and how so? lead to that decision? the Marines? Q: What was it like coming A: It is frustrating at times A: I enlisted in Dec A: I went in on an open back to the States? in class. Sometimes I am 1999, several months after contract, which meant they A: Coming back to the states expected to be a spokesmen graduation. Having finished were going to put me in was a great experience. It for the war, the President, near the bottom of my class whatever job the Marines was nothing like what it was or the military. I think it and in possession of no self- needed me in. I became a for my Uncles, who were all is a surprise to some of discipline I knew I needed a communication tech. I was Marines in Vietnam. People the teachers that I am an change and college was not stationed at Cherry Point, were understanding and individual with my own for me. NC. It was from there I supportive. I did jump (and thoughts, feelings, and Q: How did Boot Camp deployed to Iraq for 5 months still do) every time I hear a opinions, and that those Name: Francis Anello change you? from February to July 2005. loud, unexpected bang. I did opinions aren’t fed to me by Military Branch: A: Boot camp was an I begged to go, and only got feel different when I got back, the Department of Defense. United States Marine incredible place, Parris added to the deployment 3 but only in a positive way. I However, after getting to Corps Island, South Carolina. Drill days before we shipped out. was (and am) proud of my know me a little, I have been School: Instructors are a rare and What was it like being in service to my country and to thanked by many teachers NorwichUniversity Q: terrifying breed of Marine. Iraq? the Iraqis. I also felt like I had for being a positive influence Major: In 13 weeks, those DI’s took While in country, I been tested, and that I had on the class, both through Double major in Political A: the weak, undisciplined mass served as a machinegun team passed. my contributions and Science and of civilian that I was, and leader. I will spare you and Do you feel like a my enforcement of some Studies in War and Peace, Q: recast me into a square-jawed, your readers to many war different person now that discipline in the class e.g., no and English hard-stomp’in devil dog. stories, but I do want to stress you are going to school, and sleeping when I am around. FEATURES The Observer OCTOBER 13, 2008 11 Drilling our way out of a big hole Why the government cannot drill offshore for oil, and the pros and cons of doing so.

By Brendan Connolly STAFF Writer

About one fourth of our oil comes from the Outer Continental Shelf. The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) generally located 3-9 miles from any given state’s shore. The OCS is a stretching avenue of submerged lands, subsoil, and seabed. It lies between the seaward extent of the states’ jurisdiction and the federal government’s jurisdiction. The OCS, the American leg anyway, has been divided into four different parts: the Atlantic OCS, the Gulf of Mexico OCS, the Pacific OCS, and finally the Alaskan OCS. In 1953 the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Acts (OSCLA) gave the Secretary of the Interior the ability to explore mineral exploration. In 1973, new legislation made exploration more difficult in the OCS. And in 1982 a congressional ban was placed on anymore exploration in the region. “…Capitol Hill rejected virtually every proposal, and now Americans are paying the price at the pump for this obstruction,” President Bush has said. Americans consume about 20 billion barrels of oil every day. It accounts for roughly 25% of the world’s consumption, or it did. With growing petroleum appetites from China, India, and the rest of the burgeoning new third world graduates, the supply has graphic courtesy of sun-sentinel.com overshadowed by the demand. The graphic above gives an estimate of how much oil and natural gas could be drilled from the South Florida Basin. Both McCain and Obama have expressed some, if not faintly, Toxic metals such as mercury more self-sufficient, and be able to The only way to find out, year ban and explore our pristine interest in offshore drilling, which and cadmium have also been sustain our own energy needs. according to some, is to lift a 26 portions of the Continental Shelf. could be 3-9 miles from the detected. 180,000 gallons of waste coastline. is produced and then dumped, The first original ban was untreated, into surrounding waters; affirmed in 1990 by George Bush which could be as close as 3-9 miles and then extended in 1998 by Bill away. Clinton. Natural emissions from George Bush has made serious drilling can include up to 50 tons inquiries and expressed desires to of nitrogen, 13 tons of carbon begin exploration. monoxide, 6 tons of sulfur dioxide, The main risk of offshore drilling and 5 tons of volatile organic is just that; drilling offshore in the compounds. middle of the ocean. You can find out more by With increasing frequency, visiting the Natural Resources hurricanes can be quite disastrous. Defense Council Website. From1981-2005, 187 large oil If drilling began today, in the spills have been accounted for, each Artic Wildlife Refuge and OCS, losing 2100 gallons into the Gulf estimates say that in 2026, four of Mexico. It is estimated, 685,000 cents will be shaved off the price gallons, in total, have been lost of each gallon. 50 years of drilling, beneath the waves. experts say, will exhaust the Artic Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, Wildlife Refuge. Some say it may combined, resulted in 125 spills. only yield about as much as we, Besides the natural climate, America, consumes at our current the actual drilling aspect is quite rate in six months. invasive and damaging. Building This will be a large issue this offshore oil derricks requires roads, election season. And unfortunately pipelines, and processing facilities rhetoric seems to flood the voting to be constructed on beaches, pool more quickly than facts. Just wetlands, and coastal areas. Florida remember, an oil man will tell you depends on all three for life, in what you want to hear. more than one way. So, are new energy avenues Drilling through the mud and brimming from bottomless pits? mantle produces cuttings, also Should we be more alternative known as “product water”. These energy conscience? have been known to contain Both candidates agree we radium, benzene, arsenic, lead, should wean our dependency on naphthalene, zinc, and toluene. foreign oil. They say we should be Not So Scary Halloween Horror Nights

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Dates: Oct. 16-19 21-22-23-24-26- 28-30-31 Prices Age 10&up $55.95 3-9 $49.95

You can enter the park after 4p.m. Disney’s Snow White and the seven dwarfs.

Story & Photos By Bruno Niccoli Editor-in-Chief

Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary, Bloody… Dare to say her name three times in front of a mirror, and you may be courteously invited to accompany Mary in to her world. Once inside you are now in an opposite reality, where fairy tales have horrible endings, evil always prevails and death might just be the least painful choice. With that premise, this year’s Universal One of the many free candy zones. Studios Halloween Horror Nights hopes to raise the bar and attract even more thrill seekers. At the end of the day, the park is completely closed and all guests must wait at City Walk for the park to re-open for Horror Nights. The standard happy background music is replaced by scary sound effects and voices, the lights are also replaced to create an even darker atmosphere, and smoke machines, spread trough out the park, provide the final touch in creating the perfect balance between fear and terror. The disturbed and frightening existence behind the mirror is show first in the initial scary zone in the park, which gives the guests a visualization of what would happen if evil had taken over fairy tales. Located a few yards from the main entrance, the “scarezone” takes guests to the Land of Oz, but not as shown in the movie. It is horror nights, so Dorothy is dead, the Wicked Witch has sole power of the magic land, and the remaining characters have gone crazy. The Tin Man chases people around with an axe desperately seeking a heart, and the Scarecrow reminds more the character in the Batman comics than the clumsy and constantly scared character from the novel. Mary is definitely the star of the show and the creators of the event gave her an entire Visitors came fully prepared for the night. Not So Scary Halloween Horror Nights

Event Info Dates: Oct. 16-19 22-26 29-31 Nov. 1 Prices: Regular ticket $69.99 plus tax Express Pass $39.99 plus tax Disney’s Snow White and the seven dwarfs. Universal’s portrayal of Little Red Riding Hood Tickets for weekends usually sellout faster.

background story, which can be viewed at halloweenhorrornights.com. Her real name is Dr. Mary Agana, a Psychiatrist who exposed her patients to their biggest fears. Mary also gets the scariest house of them all, “Reflections of Fear.” With eight haunted houses experiences, three shows, including the now popular Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure, and 10 scarezones, this year’s editions might be one of the best assembles in the past two decades. Entrance to Halloween Horror Nights is only allowed after the park has been reopened, and to attend the event a separate ticket must be purchased. The For those looking for a less scary Halloween, but still wanting to have a great The Scarecrow intimidating a guest. time, Disney’s Not So Scary Halloween is the best choice. The event takes place at Disney’s Magic Kingdom on specific dates and tickets must be purchased separately, and the prices are also lower than the regular full day ticket. Guests have a chance to stay in the park from four p.m. until midnight. Being Disney’s version of Halloween, the scary factor is substituted for a more nostalgic concept. Guests are welcomed to dress in costume, which helps create the atmosphere of an old time Halloweens when kids could trick or treat around the neighborhood without parents fearing the worst. To enhance the experience even more, Disney created sectors where free candy is distributed. You will also have the opportunity to meet and actually talk to some of Disney’s most famous characters. To wrap up the package, most rides remain open through out the night, and with less people at night, lines are much shorter. Even with day light guests were getting scared. pg MONTH dd, YEAR The Observer Section ENTERTAINMENT The Observer OCTOBER 13, 2008 15 NBA Live:To Play or not to play?

by Brandon Audain Contributing Writer

The ever evolving basketball video game franchise, NBA Live, is back again with this year’s offering of NBA Live 09. Not resting on their laurels, the team at EA Sports has set out to improve upon last years offering of NBA Live 08. With NBA Live 09, EA Sports has set out to create a game that is constantly changing, and evolving. This year’s game will come with the free service of what EA calls Dynamic DNA. This service will evaluate how players and teams play, as well as their tendencies. Using these evaluations, Live 09 will then adjust your copy of the game to more closely mimic the real life counterparts of the players and teams. For example, if “Player A” is slumping in real life, expect “Player photo courtesy of sexdrivethemovie.com A” to be in a slump in the video game. Dynamic DNA will be updated every day to make the game experience as real as possible. Another new addition to the franchise is the implementation of 5-on-5 online gaming. For the first time, 10 human players will share the virtual court and attempt to work together as a team. The game also features a few updates. This year’s game boasts a total of 24 International Basketball Federation Worth the drive (FIBA) teams, last years game had a total of eight FIBA by Philippe Buteau the sarcastic Amish mechanic played by Seth Green. teams. The Quickstrike ball handling method introduced in South Bureau Chief But I don’t want to start this review with the last years games has been reworked and given the new title of characters. Maybe how funny the movie is? Quickstrike Ankle Breakers. Lockdown defense is returning How do I go about reviewing Sex Drive? Should It certainly is funny, especially if the idea of a from last year’s game as a counter to the Quickstrike system. I use almost four hundred words to say how much I cruder American Pie sounds good to you. However, Another update that has been made pertains to the graphics. enjoyed it, get really cynical and discuss why it isn’t the funny, which isn’t to spread out, comes more Work has been done to make this year’s game feel and look the greatest movie of this type or try to convince from what is seen as opposed to what is heard, but much better than its predecessor. those that decided to not see the movie to see it? in this movie physical comedy works. Not physical As one of the three games that were released on Oct. 9, Whichever angle I pick I still wouldn’t know in that “hit in the head with a wrench” way, but will NBA Live 09 be better than its competition? where to start. physical none-the-less. For example, I could start with the characters. No, I won’t start like that. I know, I’ll start with Which, excluding the male and female leads, were the story and the lesson it tries to teach. really defined, written and played by their respective But should I discuss a story as clichéd as this? A actors. James Marsden (Cyclops in the X-Men story of the “poor virgin” going on an adventure to trilogy) did such a good job in a role so different get his. Thankfully the specifics aren’t predictable, from what I’ve seen him do that I’d go so far as to but you realize that you saw the ending in American compare him to Tom Cruise’s character in Tropic Pie 2. And the moral of the movie itself can’t really be Thunder. argued, but its introduction at the movie’s conclusion But if there was one character that made the didn’t make much sense. movie it would have to be Lance played by Clark Nah, not that way. Duke. The “get-all-the-girls” nerd is a rare treat in Now I’m stuck. I really did enjoy this movie and movies, and Duke plays it extremely well. would recommend it to people who just want to There are also about a half-a-dozen more well laugh in their comedies and don’t need story; I just written and played supporting characters, such as don’t know how to start this review. NBA LIVE 2009 screenshot. photo courtesy of filefront.com Maddness over the new Madden morning).” “You get a dumb interception the Xbox 360, he feels that the PS3 “I usually go every other year. because the ball went through the has “more capabilities”, although It is crazy man,” said sophomore person’s hand or something.” he occasionally plays on the Xbox Vincent Dean. “You got people Herrera plays on a nightly basis inside the Student Life Game getting upset with each other and usually ends up playing four to Room at Central Campus. because they’re skipping. You got to five games a night, using a different The Madden video game get there early because you want to team every time. franchise has elevated so high now be the first one to have the game.” “My game is real, because I play that it has its own reality TV show Dean has claimed he has played the way the football teams do, run on ESPN called Madden Nation for money and actually made $300 the ball, play action stuff like that,” in which fans can compete on on a single game. Although he has said Herrera. the Xbox 360 for a chance to win made over $100 a game more than Caldwell, who is ranked in the $100,000. once, Dean refuses to play random top 100 online in the Playstation As if that was the only Evan Caldwell photo by Igor Mello people for money. Network and prefers playing online opportunity gamers have, gamers by Igor Mello “It’s just something that I like to get his competitive edge, usually travel from town to town to Sports Editor game on the market. to do, if I don’t play for money I’ll turns down the chances he has to participate in the Madden At midnight on Aug. 12, there play by myself,” said Dean. play for money, but occasionally Challenge in which the grand In 1988 Electronic Arts Inc. were over 50 people lined up But with new glitches found in decides to gamble once in a while prize for the champion is $80,000. struck a deal with legendary NFL at local GameStops and even 7 this year’s version some students and has actually won $40 on one If gamers don’t like to travel for coach John Madden to publish Elevens to receive their copy of the feel skeptical about the game play game. competition they can play online John Madden Football for the latest version of Madden. and refuse to put money on the “I like how my game is, I like for money at gamersaloon.com. Apple II, Comodore 64 and DOS “It got to the point people table on a game that they couldn’t how I play,” said Caldwell. “I Although the game has started systems. Who knew that 20 years almost started fighting because they possibly “control”. just need to work on my passing out slow in 1988, it seems as if this later, a simple six-on-six game were skipping,” said sophomore “I don’t play for money because game.” Madden craze will live on with the would evolve to the franchise that Evan Caldwell. “I went home and Madden likes to buck a lot,” said Caldwell likes using the students at Broward for years to is now the only licensed NFL video played it until five o’clock (in the sophomore Christian Herrera. Playstation 3 console instead of come. 16 October 13, 2008 The Observer ENTERTAINMENT Hova for hope Jay-Z headlines the last chance to change rally by Igor Mello Sports Editor delivered a priceless show. One of Jay-Z was reportedly not the more memorable moments of approved by doctors to perform How often does a seven-time his show was when he referred to due to his “illness” and has yet to Grammy award winner come Governor Sarah Palin before he address the public about what type to town, let alone perform for performed his song “99 Problems” of “illness” he has. It still remains free? Well, maybe once in every and when he and his fans called out unclear if he will reschedule four years. In wake of the voter’s President George W. Bush at the Monday’s show, but it seems registration deadline on Oct. 6, end of his song “Blue Magic.” rather unlikely since the voter’s rapper Jay-Z agreed to perform The former retired rapper’s set registration deadline has already three free concerts for the “Last included most of his songs from come and gone. Jay-z performing at Bayfront Photo by philippe buteau Chance to Change” rally, one in “The Black Album” and other Park Michigan, and two in Miami’s singles such as “Roc Boys,” “Can’t Bayfront Park on Oct. 5 and 6 to Knock the Hustle,” “Big Pimpin,” support his preferred presidential “Hard Knock Life” and many candidate, Barack Obama. more. In order for Jay-Z fans to be Fans felt a bit disappointed able to attend this “once in a when he left the stage but then lifetime” show, they were required were later surprised when Jay Z to be registered to vote. Tickets came right back, claiming he wasn’t were available at the Democratic done just yet. His final trademark candidate’s nine locations. song “Encore” finished off an “My thing is registration to unforgettable night for the newly- make sure our voices will be heard,” registered voters. said Jay Z. “I’m not telling you who Unfortunately, fans that missed to vote for, I’m just telling you who out on the Sunday show were not I’m voting for.” able to see him the following day as Wyclef Jean also joined the Jay-Z backed out of the show with rally and opened up for Jay-Z with a sore throat. Fans were unaware of Memphis Bleek as his hypeman the cancellation until they were let performing the Fugees hit, “Ready inside the amphitheater. This did or Not” dedicating it to Obama. not go well with the students that As the song ended, he ended up were let down. free styling in English, Spanish and “Man, I don’t even think he was Creole. A few surprises came along there, they said he was sick with a as Miami’s own Pitbull stopped by throat problem. I mean, he’s not a to encourage fans to go out and get singer,” said sophomore Malcolm their friends to register. Burney, who was a part of the As anticipation grew, Jay- disappointed students. “It was a Z finally appeared on stage and waste of gas.” Wyclef and his bass player. Photo by Igor Mello

Roy Wood Jr. highlights Laughapalooza How comedy changed Roy Wood Jr.

By Igor Mello Sports Editor The Florida A&M grad opened “Now up the show with the first stint. His Birmingham, Alabama’s own jokes about handling relationship I’m just Roy Wood took his act to Central situations the “Barack Obama blessed to Campus as he hosted the biggest way” had the students falling off annual event to take place, the their seats. be here. I Laughapalooza Comedy Show at After warming up the crowd, Bailey Hall. Wood has appeared Wood left the stage and passed hate to say in many familiar network shows the mic on to New York comedian it but get- including HBO’s Def Comedy Jason Andors. At first, the crowd Jam, Chelsea Lately, The Late Show appeared to be skeptical about ting ar- with David Letterman, Comedy Andors, who is Caucasian, but rested was Central’s Premium Blend, BET’s later loosened up as he began to do Comicview and much more. his routine. the best Wood never planned to pursue a “My routine is about black career as a comedian; he started out people,” said Andors. thing that as a news reporter for a Tallahassee As Andors left the stage, Wood ever hap- radio station. came back on for the last time “It was something I always before the last act. Wood began pened to wanted to do. I got arrested in 98’ explaining, like before, about his me.” for credit card fraud and I thought life as a radio station host and how I was going to go to jail, so before he got fired for an idea he had for Roy Wood I got sentenced I decided to do his famous prank calls. Comedian Roy Wood courtesy of dejavucomedy.com everything I wanted to do in life “My comedy is based on my and comedy was on the checklist. I observations and my idiotic life,” Ricky Smiley Morning show on do happier material when you’re Wood. ended up getting a year in probation said Wood backstage after the WEDR 99 Jamz. dealing with college as when you’re Although Wood has spent most and I’ve been doing comedy ever show. “I enjoy college shows. College dealing with grown folks. They just of his time on the radio, he plans on since,” said Wood. “Now I’m just Local people may be familiar to shows are more fun because college want life and issues and all of that taking a break and strictly working blessed to be here. I hate to say it Wood’s prank calls as they’re played students are more carefree, they’re stuff and you all young kids, you on his material, including his own but getting arrested was the best through 40 different syndicated not as jaded as adults, they don’t know you guys just all want to have TV show, which he hopes to sell to thing that ever happened to me.” radio stations including our own hate the world yet. So you can a party and that’s fine by me,” said network studios. CLASSIFIEDS The Observer OCTOBER 13, 2008 17 CLASSIFIEDS Bed All new Pillow-top set 3pc pub table set new in carton Queen, $139 can deliver $199 754-234-1899 in plastic with warranty can deliver 954-226-2500

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Sectionoctober The13, 2008 Observer The Observer MONTH Sdd,POR YTSEAR pg19 Four teams, two spots for the fall classic

By Brandon Audain Championship Series (ALCS). Contributing Writer The Tampa Bay Rays have advanced by defeating the Chicago White Sox in four American League Preview games. Rookie of the year candidate Evan The American League Divisional Series Longoria helped in the Rays’ victory by (ALDS) has ended, and the Tampa Bay Rays hitting two home runs in game one. Four and the Boston Red Sox are the final teams Rays’ players batted in runs giving the Rays left fighting to represent the AL in the 2008 game two. The White Sox held off the Rays World Series. To decide that, they must first in game three behind the pitching of John play each other in the American League Danks; however, the Rays finished the series in game four behind a two home run game from B.J. Upton. In a rematch of last year’s ALDS, the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Red Sox outfielder Jason Bay won the game with a Manny Ramirez slides home against the Cubs Photo courtesy of sports.yahoo.com two run home run in game one, and a ninth inning two run home National League Preview shocked by the Dodgers, 84-78. The Dodgers run from J.D. Drew won the Red The Major League Baseball postseason has took home field advantage away by winning Sox game two. Game three saw the started, and while the Chicago Cubs and the game one by way of James Loney’s grand Angels win their only game of this Milwaukee Brewers have been eliminated, slam in the fifth. The Cubs lost game two series as the Red Sox closed out the the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles due to their four errors, giving the Dodgers a series in game four behind a ninth Dodgers are left to battle for the right to play 2-0 lead in the series. The Dodgers closed out inning RBI from Jed Lowrie. in the 2008 World Series. the series in game three behind the pitching The ALCS will be a match-up Winners of the NL East division, the of Hiroki Kuruda, and a first inning two run between two Eastern division rivals. Phillies, 92-70, defeated the Brewers, 90-72 double from Loney. Will the Rays and their holding of in the NL Divisional Series, 3-1. The Phillies The National Leaugue Championship home field advantage be enough won games one and two of the series behind Series will be decided between the Dodgers to hold off the defending World the solid pitching of Cole Hamels, and Brett and the Phillies, with Philadelphia holding Series champions, or will the Red Meyers, respectively. The Brewers held them home field advantage. This is a repeat of Sox continue their winning ways? off in game three, but could not do the same the 1983 NLCS; in that year, the Phillies After playing each other 18 times in game four. In the final game of the series, prevailed. Will history repeat itself, or can this season, each team may know the Phillies hit four home runs as they closed Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers advance the other teams strengths and out the series. to the World Series for the first time since David Ortiz Photo courtesy of sports.yahoo.com weaknesses. Meanwhile, the Cubs, 97-64, were 1988? pg20 MONTsporHts dd, YEAR The Observer The ObserverOCTOBER S13,ection 2008

Freshman point guard Shayla Llanos pulls up for a mid-range jumper during the Blue vs. White scrimmage. Photo by Igor Mello A tune-up before the new season Lady Hoops team has high expectations

WOMEN’s BASKETBALL and strong and really smart,” lot of one on one isolations because continued from front page said sophomore forward Dawna as you see we have a great shooting Wright. “We’re underdogs, people team,” said Schawe. Following the scrimmage the don’t know what they’re going to The anticipation is growing, as fans got to interact with the players get,” said Wright. “They are really the Lady Seahawks will tip-off their and were later treated with free going to be shocked on how well home opener on Nov. 13 against pizza, macaroni and cheese, curry this team is.” the Miami Rain AAU team. All chicken and pork alongside with The newly promoted coach home games are scheduled to take free beverages. Schawe promised stressed that the team still needs place at the Omni Auditorium on the fans that they would make it to some improvement on defense and North Campus. states and it seems as if the players rebounding and is still tweaking For more information log on to are behind him. the offense. www.broward.edu./athletics. “I think we’re going to be a “We’re going to have a lot of great team, we’re young but fast, motion, a lot of pick and rolls, a

Melissa Caplan spots up for a baseline jumper. photo by igor mello

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 07-08 Record: 12-17 PPG: 60.8 PPG Allowed: 66.2

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Jan. 7 INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE Coconut Creek Section The Observer MONTH dd, YEAR pg 22 OPINION The Observer OCTOBER 13, 2008 Letter to the editor: Response to ‘The Holy Smackdown’

By Cory Zimmerman and on ad infinitum. Make no hate and bitterness, so that one day “criticism” continues…. “Pastor religious details of our candidates’ Contributing Writer mistake. When the members of one they can pay the world back for Kalnins also happens to be a typical lives? What makes our American group choose to believe themselves all the wrongs they have suffered conservative evangelical pastor who democracy great is that very first I found the September 29 superior to the members of another in the past.” Once more, Giles’s believes Christians ought to be a amendment stressing the separation issue of The Observer particularly groups, the former regards itself as article arrives from a centered, righteous example to the world of church and state in the same interesting, especially in the “right” and the other as “wrong.” white Christian perspective. Had as upright citizens who love God, breath as its emphasis on religious context of ideals granted by the What these sorts of discussions she stopped to consider that Rev. this country and their families.” freedom. U.S. Constitution. And I quote always fail to see is that both sides Wright and Farrakhan are as much (At this point, I was pleading with For her sake, and ours as from Amendment I: “Congress are groups composed entirely of human as any of us, she may also Giles to just take it easy on this Americans, I hope Giles’s future shall make no law respecting equal human beings, regardless of have considered that they were poor, nationally-discredited pastor articles on the political process an establishment of religion, the beliefs “the opponents” have born in 1941 and 1933 respectively. that… I had not heard about until focus on just that; likewise, I think or prohibiting the free exercise chosen to assume. They grew up in a time when their I read her article.) Having criticized her pro-Christian articles may thereof; or abridging the freedom Where I see Giles’s article going ethnicity granted whites the legal Kalnins for two whole sentences, benefit from a virtue Jesus held of speech, or of the press.” In the wrong is in the way it draws clear “permission” to look upon them as Giles’s blasting of Wright picks dear: namely, some much needed simplest words, all people are distinctions on what she (the something less than human beings. right back up: “Quite the contrary humility. Had she struck into her entitled to believe in one god, all opinionated) considers “good” and I don’t agree that this gives them to the hate speech preached topic with the intent to provide a gods, or no gods at all. Foolish as it “right.” This is what an opinion any right to be racists themselves, towards other people and the U.S., deeper understanding of those who may be, we’re also entitled to speak does. But at the same time, her but at least I can understand why that Barack Obama has willingly do not share her religious beliefs, our opinions freely, even if those head-long plunge into an often they might perceive America as a and openly subjected himself to, I may have considered searching opinions are racist. Thus, I give you repeated argument regarding Rev. land where racism continues. They under Rev. Wright’s authority […] for more redeeming qualities in my own opinion as a response to Jeremiah Wright fails to show were born into an overtly racist it is flat out stupid for anyone to her article. Instead, she opens with contributing “wrtier” [sic] Hanna him as a human being. Her only nation, and I think we can all agree ignore Obama’s strong affiliations the claim that “the media looked Giles’s mean-spirited opinion use of the word “Muslim” in the that racism has not yet been entirely with radical haters, and it is 100 at [Palin] as the chief desecrator column entitled “The Holy Smack article uses the phrase “Muslim shamed out of our populous or its percent wrong for the media to of their Obama shrine.” Even Down: Palin vs. Obama,” on page minister” as support for her processes. try and drag Sarah Palin’s spiritual before she has begun, she shows 22 of the September 29, 2008 issue earlier-made claims about Louis The main difference between leader down to Rev. Wright’s level.” her own media bias by ignoring of The Observer. I find this column Farrakhan’s relationship with then and now is that the practice These words make me wonder. By any common sense awareness ironic, considering the cover quote Wright. According to the article, of racism is not permitted by pointing to Wright’s lower level, that the media functions as much by Howard Finkelstein on the Rev. Wright “ is buddy buddy with Constitutional law. And even is she indicating that platform of on irrelevant political dualisms front page of the paper: “Racism a Muslim minister [Farrakhan] though opinions of overt racism lesser influence where minorities as people function on irrelevant is the dumbest, most unnecessary and they are able to work together, are still permissible, these opinions currently stand, perhaps envious religious biases. As it stands now, thought a person can have….” conflict free, and in admiration of are not considered publicly of white Christians who holds the her article bobs among the other Of course, racist thought and one another, because they don’t acceptable. This is why Giles’s majority of this nation’s control, useless, regurgitated tripe we have opinion are utterly foolish, but care about religious faith or about article simply uses moral concern political and otherwise? already heard about Wright from our Constitution does allow them congregants’ personal walks with as a substitute for the covert white Let’s face it. Giles may claim that “unbiased” media sources like Fox as free speech, and our college God.” Here I would reply by saying fear that all unified blacks seek Kalnins’s theological beliefs “aren’t News, O’Reilly, etc. The whole newspapers may print racist Giles slipshod tone shows little care retribution—just as Farrakhan’s a public policy effecting factor,” lot of media (by which I mean nonsense as a freedom of the press. for the religious faith of Muslims, beliefs must make him a “Muslim but when you stop to consider the the “balanced” conservatives and Therefore, I was not completely and their walks with Allah. She minister” capable of inciting the number of issues we debate that the “liberal” invaders) both turn shocked when I read Giles’s tirade, uses Farrakhan as an emotional same fear that Wright incited are purely consensual, the truth me off. When I read a political nor am I generally all that struck catalyst to incite a reaction from among those who disguised their becomes quite clear. Religiosity article, I do not want to read about by the absurdity of an argument people who think like her. The unacceptable racist fears as a means has deeply infiltrated American people taking sides on some matter that pushes its own ideological stereotype adds nothing of value to for discrediting Obama during the politics—despite the efforts of our of personal choice. As Americans, agenda at the expense of another. her argument. primaries. nation’s founding members to keep we do have the right to belabor What one person believes is “good” Even worse, Giles’s article shows This is not to say that Giles’s government free of religion, just matters of choice (like religion) in easily becomes “bad” in the views via glaring omission her article’s article does not provide some sense as each of us should be free of the our free press. This is what makes of another. We see and hear this inability to consider both sides of of balance. When it turns a “critical” righteousness of others to choose America so great—our abilities back-and-forth banter filling the an issue. She clearly claims Wright eye on Sarah Palin’s pastor, Giles our own religious beliefs. I suspect to choose. I only wonder why we media air waves (especially around and Farrakhan are racists, but admits that Pastor Kalnins “may Giles may not realize her recent often choose to ignore issues that election times). Personally, I regard does little exploration to defend have some obscure theological opinion piece has its foundation matter to everyone (like the quality this opinionated bickering as clear them from these claims. Are they views, on the End Times,” but more in personal belief than in the of our drinking water) in favor of evidence of America being the land compelled by evil to be racist qualifies the statement by adding ideals of the American political issues that only lead to us wasting of dualisms: Democrat/Republican, against whites? Is their sole concern that these views “aren’t a public process. Equally speaking, why our freedoms by spouting mean- black/white, male/female, and on “uniting blacks under the shade of policy effecting factor.” The harsh are we even concerned with the spirited foolishness at each other. Older to drive, younger to drink

By Ashley Moncrieffe not stop invincible teens from Druses, International Staff Writer driving till they reach 17 or 18. Business student. Contrary to this belief, it was Many argue that if by According to www.rmiia.org, suggested to lower the drinking age 18, you can vote and “16 year-olds have higher crash rates age to 18. In Raleigh, North fight for your country, than drivers of any other age.” The Carolina college presidents from and be tried as an adult, Highway Safety Administration 100 different prestigious schools you should be able to wants to raise the driving age to 18. are hoping lawmakers will reduce drink at age 18. Although, They say there is a problem with the drinking age because of the this brings up a very good teen driving statistics. dangers on binge drinking. point, I feel lowering the According to an MSNBC news According to Substance Abuse drinking age may not work article on raising the driving age, and Mental Health Services for the best. By lowering the Adrian Lund, President of the Administration (SAMHSA) drinking age to 18, I believe Insurance Institute for Higher fact sheet on binge drinking in they are just asking for more Safety states car crashes are the adolescents and college students, trouble including disaster leading cause of death amongst binge drinking often begins upon high school students and teenagers. New Jersey is the only around age 13, tends to increase employees. state that issues licenses at age 17. during adolescence, peaks in According to Kevin Peters, When New Jersey’s teen driving young adulthood (ages 18 to 22) Management Information Systems statistics are compared with then gradually decrease. student, “By increasing the driving If lowering the drinking age is getting alcohol is easy to obtain. surrounding states, New Jersey’s “While raising the driving age age, young people will be more supposedly a better idea than age So whether they are 14 or 21, they statistics were lower. is a possible solution to reckless mature and responsible to handle 21, they are in for more turmoil will still drink and that can’t be Overall, I agree there is an issue teenage driving, lowering the the road in some way. But reducing especially with an increase in stopped unless action is taken by with teen driving, and raising the drinking age would contradict the the drinking age has no effect drinking and driving statistics the parents. driving age to either 17 or 18 may whole thing. It would definitely do because under age drinking is and more car accidents. Either help lower the statistics, but it will more harm than good,” said Althea rampant in our society.” way, teens can already attest that OPINION The Observer OCTOBER 13, 2008 23 Gay marriage, changing old religious concepts

By Arthur Glanville The issue of gay Contributing Writer marriage has raised several heated debates When our founding fathers between the LGBT decided to separate from Great community and Britain they drew up a document religious activists. called the Declaration of The topic is also Independence. In this document heavily disputed in they stated to the king and I quote: the senate and state “We hold these truths to be self- legislatures. Religious evident that all men are created activists have argued equal, that they are endowed that God intended by their creator with certain for a man and unalienable rights, which among woman to propagate these are life liberty and the pursuit and have children of happiness.” and that God hates Later when the constitution homosexuals. was written the same thing was They also argue written in the bill of rights but put that if gays are in different terminology. In the allowed to marry constitution there is no stipulation that it would or amendment that says that damage the marriage gay men and woman cannot get arrangement. They married. On the contrary, though, use the book of the bill of rights lays out our Genesis chapter 2 unalienable rights which say that to justify their point we have the freedom of speech, when it says: “And religion and expression. the Lord God said, it When these religious activists is not good that the oppose the issue of gay marriage man should be alone; Two gay couples after their weddings photo courtesy changingworldviews.com are they suggesting that we should I will make him a consider both the Constitution and help meet for him…. a man must leave his father and basic civil and equal rights. think that legalized gay marriage the Declaration of Independence And the Lord God caused a deep mother and must cleave to his wife Even if gay marriage were would benefit us all. So it is not void? The questions this poses to sleep to fall over Adam, and he slept: and they must be one flesh. If you harmful, the equality and dignity our right to judge another person us is: Is it really our right to tell and he took one of his ribs and closed also notice it said that the woman of gay couples should be respected, because of their sexual orientation. people who and not to marry? the flesh thereof; was a help meet for the man and though it’s not true, or in the least Every human being as stated by the Are we in a place to judge another And the rib, which Lord God nowhere do we see that he said gays demonstrable, that gay marriage Declaration of Independence and person because of their sexual had taken from man, made him a should not be joined in union. would be harmful. On the the constitution has freedom of orientation? And how would I feel woman, and brought her unto the Debates over gay marriage contrary, researchers have proven expression. That involves marrying if I was denied the right to marry man. involve both legal and social that people who marry tend to do anyone that we choose. Who are the person I love? And Adam said this is now bone arguments for and against. better than those who don’t marry we to tell someone you can’t marry Marriage is a sacred bond of of my bones and flesh of my flesh: she Legal arguments on behalf of emotionally, psychologically, and that person because he’s gay or he’s union between two people that shall be called Woman, because she gay marriage tend too get more even medically. black or he’s white, it violates our God himself put into place in the was taken out of man. attention because it is a matter of So there are good reasons to civil rights. Garden of Eden. Over the years gay Therefore a man shall leave his men and woman have sought to father and his mother and must have the privilege of marrying their cleave to his wife and they shall be prospective partners, but have been one flesh.” denied that right because of fierce Here God instituted the opposition by religious activists. marriage arrangement when he said Editorial The Economical Crisis As the nation faces one of the biggest economical crises, students are starting to feel the consequences of the fall of the stock market.

The senate approval of the bailout plan, which provided investors with $700 billion (from tax payer editors-in-chief money), was suppose to re-structure the crises in the mortgage companies. Bruno Niccoli Kevin Rosenberg Layout Editor Melissa Correa However, the results were not as expected. Even with the government money, the Dow Jones remains Section Editors Staff Writers reaching all time low records. The situation is even worsened by the fall of banks such as Wachovia and Copy Editor Buzz Lamb Washington Mutual. Jessica Rosenberg Ashley Moncrieffe South Bureau Chief W. Earle Simpson As a consequence of the current mortgage crises, students will find it nearly impossible to get approval Philippe Buteau CONTRIBUTors Hannah Giles for a new house loan. Layout Editor Arthur Glanville Brendan Connolly Melissa Correa Cory Zimmerman Down payments that at one point were near 5 percent are now over 25 percent for first time buyers Central Bureau Chief Brandon Audain without perfect credit scores, which is nearly impossible to have without the purchase of something Jerilyn de los Rios Central Bureau Chief expensive, such as a home. JerilynSports De Los Editor Rios South IgorBureau Mello Chief Student loans, used by many to pay of their college credits are also harder to obtain, and with that, Philippe Buteau North Bureau Chief less students can now afford to get a college degree. Stephanie Ramirez Adviser Adviser’s assistant The chain effect of the current crises does not affect only big loans, students who carry credit cards Jennifer Shapiro Chris Cutro from different companies, are also being penalized. The A.P.R. for credit card holders is now higher than ever, and the constant juggle between balances is now a monthly routine. The Observer is a bi-weekly consolidated newspaper produced by students of Broward College. The editorial office is located at South Campus, Bldg. 68-268, 7200 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33024. The newsroom can be contacted American Express is shutting down accounts of young card holders who have low payments and had at 954-201-8877, or [email protected]. their credit record checked more than usual by other credit and loan provider companies. Letters to the editor are encouraged. The writer’s name must be included, although requests for anonymity may be honored at the editor’s discretion. Letters From now on students should be very careful when applying for a new loan or credit card with must be typed and not exceed 300 words. The Observer upholds the right to edit a high credit line. A.P.R. values may be subject to change in some policies. Every one should always for style or length or to reject publications of letters deemed inappropriate. double check to make sure the interest you pay has a pre-determined value for the entire period of the For information concerning editorial policy or advertising rates, call 954-201- contract. 8035. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not neces- The economical crisis is far from over and signing up for a credit line without having very clear and sarily reflect those of BC students, staff, faculty and administration. specific guidelines could lead a student owing thousands more than he will ever be able to make. A Luna painting

What: Pablo PICASSO Ceramics /Carlos LUNA Paintings FREE TO ALL STUDENTS Where: The Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale When: Oct. 5 - Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. - 5. p.m. The Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale is hosting Pablo Picasso ceramics and Carlos Luna paintings.

BY HANNAH GILES Staff WRITER The Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale is the only place in South Florida where you will have the unique chance to personally see the famous collection of Pablo Picasso ceramics, covering the period from 1947-1971, and Carlos Luna paintings.

With a valid Student ID, you can be one of the few people to take a trip to the past, and into the life, of one of the most well-known artists in history. If a blast to the past has you on edge, have no fear. With the vivacious narrative paintings of Cuban artist Carlos Luna, you will quickly be transported back to the present. Carlos Luna paintings are bold and intriguing, the colors command attention and each piece lures the onlooker in with their narrative tales.

The exhibit runs from Oct. 5 -Feb. 23.The Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale is located behind the Broward College Las Olas campus, right in the middle of downtown Fort Lauderdale. With shopping and restaurants in walking distance, it is the perfect place to spend an enjoyable Saturday or Sunday afternoon with friends and family. Take advantage of those student IDs by receiving free entry to this beautifully striking exhibit. Just remember, the museum is only open between the hours of 11a.m.-5p.m.!

A Picasso ceramic Images courtesy of THE MUSEUM OF ART | FORT LAUDERDALE